Asteraceae
Dandelion Root
Taraxacum officinale
✓ Generally Safe
Safe in Pregnancy
Native to: Europe, Asia (naturalized globally)
Also known as: Common Dandelion Root, Pissenlit Root
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
Root
Therapeutic Uses
Liver and gallbladder support, digestive bitters (stimulates bile and pancreatic enzymes), constipation, prebiotic gut support, fatty liver. Root primarily hepatic; leaf primarily urinary.
Herbal Actions
Cholagogue, hepatoprotective, bitter tonic, prebiotic (inulin), mild laxative, diuretic (milder than leaf)
Active Constituents
Sesquiterpene lactones (taraxacin, taraxacerin — bitter), taraxasterol (phytosterol), inulin (up to 40% fall harvest — prebiotic), choline, iron, potassium, beta-carotene, zinc
Preparation Methods
🍵 Decoction🏺 Tincture💊 CapsuleRoasted tea
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 1–2 tsp dried root per 250ml, simmer 10 min, 3x daily before meals |
| Tincture | 3–5 ml (1:5, 45% ethanol), 3x daily before meals |
| Notes | Roasted root: coffee substitute (dandelion coffee) — pleasant bitter tonic. Fresh root highest in inulin (fall harvest). Must be tasted (bitter) for digestive stimulant effect. Combine with artichoke leaf for liver and biliary support. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
✓ Generally Safe
Pregnancy
Safe in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
Possible — consult doctor
Contraindications: Asteraceae allergy. Bile duct obstruction — avoid. Caution with antidiabetics (mild effect). Otherwise very safe.
Side Effects: GI bloating (inulin). Rare allergic reactions. Generally extremely safe.